How to protect yourself from portable sales scams
Due to the wide Using non -call payment systems is no surprise that portable theft of sales can restore. This type of robbery enjoys a new wave of popularity, and it is much harder to do so quickly. But how much is there a risk? And how can you protect yourself from POS fraud?
Sorrento’s case
A recent example of POS robbery recently occurred in Italy, when the matter was exploded a few days ago, when Ansa news agency reported arrest in Sorrento after a person was arrested to steal 100 euros from a box in downtown. During the search, it is said that the law has found a modified portable POS terminal.
This was not the first time the alleged thief had stopped with such a device. Ansa reports that they were previously arrested in Rome. The device appears to be a SUMUP or a portable factor that is capable of working independently without connecting to the smartphone. Depending on the price and ease of use, this type of device is popular in booths and markets.
This is also not the first time that thieves have been arrested with technical equipment. In fact, last year Ansa reported on a similar case to the anxieties that occur at a highway rest station.
Difficult but not impossible
There are two possibilities Modet For this type of fraud is the first easier case for thieves: they steal a wallet and later make a series of small transactions with stolen cards that do not need to enter the pin, as if they could simulate a series of short -term purchases. The wallet goes away by reaching the permissible limit.
The second method can be described as a trailer. Thieves choose crowded places with high density people who are probably in contact with each other, such as public transport or lines in business institutions. They then make a payment request in the portable POS, hold it in their hands or somehow hide it and place it in the pockets behind the pants, bags, mortal packages, backpacks, and so on.
Success rate is very low due to a number of factors. The first point is that it takes about 30 seconds before repeating the request from the POS. The second is that POS should be in approximately 0.5 to 4 cm in contact with the card. The third is that there should be no interventional elements like other cards. Therefore, the robber must face a series of rich conditions to succeed. While the success rate is very low, it is not zero, so it is best to limit your risk as much as possible. There are a few points here.
How to defend ourselves
Needless to say, if you stick your wallet in the back of your pants, you not only have the risk of traditional theft but also create the best scenario for this newer fraud. You can choose wallets with integrated RFID protection that creates a real obstacle for these types of fraud.
For maximum protection, you can receive notifications even for small transactions without calling through your bank’s application settings. The fraudsters typically choose small quantities, with the confidence that the victim does not receive the notifications – often the victim may notice the amount that is retracted, maybe confusing it to other small transactions. If you fall for fraud, it is advisable to contact your bank immediately to dispose of the transactions: Because everything is traceable, the device used by fraudsters can be identified, although it may have become a new case.
Finally, almost all modern smartphones are now equipped with an NFC chip for non -contact payments. Thefts are prevented using portable POS terminals often with the fact that the smartphone should be locked, so even if one puts a POS terminal on the phone without care.
This story appeared first Wired Italy And translated from Italian.
